Australia Permanent Residency (PR) allows a person to live, work, and study in Australia without any time limit. It’s not the same as citizenship, but it gives nearly all the same benefits. Many Indians are now exploring this option for a better life, strong job market, and clean environment. With access to public healthcare, free schooling for kids, and the chance to apply for citizenship later, Australia PR feels like a smart move. For skilled workers, students, and families, it offers a fresh start with more stability, making it one of the top choices for Indians planning to settle abroad.
Total Cost of Australia PR from India
The total cost of applying for Australia PR from India depends on your situation. For a single applicant, the base cost is around INR 2.5 lakhs, based on an average exchange rate of 1 AUD = 55 INR. This includes major steps like visa application, skill assessment, English test, and medical exam. But if you’re applying with a typical family—say a spouse and one child—the cost can climb up to INR 7 to 11 lakhs. This covers extra visa charges, tests, and optional help from a migration consultant. Next, let’s break down each expense clearly.
Australia PR Cost Breakdown (Step-by-Step)
Here are step by step breakdown of Australian PR cost in India–
Visa Processing Fees
This is the main fee paid to the Australian government for reviewing your visa application. For a primary applicant, the fee is about AUD 3,860 (roughly INR 2.1 lakhs). If you’re applying with family, each dependent—like a spouse or child—adds extra cost. For example, an adult dependent may cost around AUD 1,930, and a child about AUD 965. The final amount also depends on which visa subclass you apply under, as different PR routes have different fee structures.
Skill Assessment Charges
Before applying for PR, you must prove your qualifications and work experience through a process called Skill Assessment. This is done by an official body in Australia related to your job field. The cost of this check can vary widely, from AUD 250 to 4,000, depending on your occupation and the authority. In Indian rupees, this can range from INR 13,000 to over 2.2 lakhs.
English Test Fee (IELTS/PTE)
To show you can speak and understand English well, you need to take a test like IELTS or PTE. These tests check your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. You must score at a certain level to be eligible for PR. The test fee in India is usually around INR 15,500 per attempt.
Medical Examination Costs
Every PR applicant must go through a health check-up to prove they are medically fit to live in Australia. This includes a basic physical exam, chest X-ray, and sometimes a blood test. The cost for this is between AUD 29.57 to 98.55, which is roughly INR 1,600 to 5,400, depending on the clinic and tests required.
Police Clearance and Other Charges
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) is needed to show you don’t have a criminal background. In India, it costs about INR 960 per person. Besides this, you might spend extra on courier charges, document translation, or notary services, which could add a few thousand rupees more.
Migration Agent or Consultant Charges (Optional)
Some people choose to hire a migration agent or consultant to guide them through the process. These professionals help with paperwork, visa strategy, and follow-ups. While not mandatory, they can reduce stress if you’re unsure about the steps. Their fees can vary from INR 50,000 to 1.5 lakhs, depending on the service level and agency.
State Nomination Charges (if applicable)
If you’re applying through a state-nominated PR visa, you might need to pay an extra fee for state processing. This is known as State Nomination, where a specific state in Australia sponsors your application. The fee is usually around AUD 300, or approximately INR 17,000.
What Affects the Total Cost of Your Australia PR?
Several things can change how much you end up spending on your Australia PR application. It’s not a fixed cost for everyone. Let’s look at the key factors one by one:
Visa Subclass You Choose
Australia offers different types of PR visa subclasses, like Skilled Independent (189), State Nominated (190), and Regional (491). Each of these has its own rules, steps, and fee structure. For example, some may need state nomination, while others may have extra documentation or tests. So, the visa path you choose plays a big role in the final amount you spend.
How Many Dependents You Have
If you’re applying alone, the cost stays low. But if you include your spouse, children, or other family members, your total cost increases. That’s because every dependent has separate visa fees, medical checks, and sometimes even their own skill or English tests. So, the more people in the application, the higher the overall cost.
Hiring a Professional or Going DIY
You can apply for PR on your own or hire a migration consultant to help. Going the DIY route saves money but needs a lot of time and careful paperwork. Hiring a professional adds to your cost, but they guide you step-by-step, help avoid mistakes, and may increase your chances. So, it’s a balance between cost vs. convenience.
Currency Exchange Rate Impact
Most PR-related payments are made in Australian Dollars (AUD). Since you’ll be paying from India, the AUD to INR exchange rate can affect your final cost. If the rupee weakens, your expenses in INR will go up. That’s why many applicants try to time their payments when the exchange rate is more favorable.
Is Australia PR Really Worth the Money?
It’s natural to ask: is spending lakhs of rupees on Australia PR really worth it? While the upfront cost may feel high, the long-term benefits often outweigh it—especially for those looking for stability, growth, and a better life. Let’s look at what you actually get in return:
Right to Live, Work, Study Freely
With Australia PR, you can live, work, and study anywhere in the country, with no time limit. There’s no need to renew visas or worry about legal status every few years. It gives you the freedom to build your life without stress.
Access to Government Healthcare and Education
As a PR holder, you’re covered under Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system. This means lower medical costs and access to quality hospitals. Your children can also go to government schools, which offer free or low-cost education.
Pathway to Sponsor Family
Once settled, you can sponsor your spouse, children, or even parents to join you in Australia. This makes PR more than just a personal benefit—it’s a way to bring your entire family into a better environment over time.
Better Lifestyle and Job Market
Australia is known for its clean cities, safe neighbourhoods, and high living standards. The job market is strong, especially for skilled workers in fields like IT, healthcare, engineering, and trades. If you’re career-focused, PR gives you full access to all job sectors without restrictions.
Conclusion
Wondering if spending on an Australia PR visa is truly worth it? For many, the answer is yes—long-term benefits like free public healthcare, better job options, and the chance to bring family later make it a valuable move. At New Land Visas, trusted Australia PR visa consultants in India, we guide you from start to finish—whether it’s choosing the right visa subclass, preparing documents, or boosting your approval chances. With expert help, you avoid costly mistakes and delays. So if you’re serious about settling in Australia, let New Land Visa make the journey smoother, smarter, and stress-free. Contact us today!